robblok Posted January 12, 2013 Author Share Posted January 12, 2013 What were the cost of that allergy test ? and food allergy is good to know too as it might help my workouts too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mommysboy Posted January 12, 2013 Share Posted January 12, 2013 "Again more assuming... How about instead having people get tested to find out for certain???" Read my first line... nothing wrong, in fact I had the stick test done myself, which ruled out any obvious environmental cause, and ruled in non allergic rhinitis. So nothing wrong at all, did I say there was? OP the test is no more than a 1000 baht, I think it is handled by ENT dept, and consists of being lightly prodded on the wrist with quite a few chemicals to see if there is reaction. I'm told the majority of people react to the dust mite, but anyone who has ever sneezed around a dusty cushion will already know this. My point was one of deduction really. The only thing that has really changed (this is the assumption I made), is that whereas OP was breathing in nice clean air, he is now breathing in rather dirty air and common sense says this is the likely cause especially as so many others are afflicted similarly, and the symptoms are bang on for non allergic rhinitis. OP your lifestyle also suggests some one on the go a lot of the time, and no doubt out and about and these are likely indicators too. One big mitigator is adequate rest and removal of the problem, so you may need to work in more hours indoors if it is the smog causing your problem. Introducing food allergy tests ... well I'm bound to ask why would a substance cause problems in Bangkok and not elsewhere. But otherwise yes food allergy tests sound interesting, something I need to look in to. Are they relevant to sinus issues though? Whether it is dust, or smog, or the weather, or whatever, the end result will be nasal rinsing and that I am sure of, and OP really you would do better concentrating on this imho. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TallGuyJohninBKK Posted January 12, 2013 Share Posted January 12, 2013 (edited) I have no particular reason to think the OP's problems are related to food allergies... But, typically, the testing for food allergies will automatically be done as part of the allergy test package that includes the environmental things... I agree that sinus steaming and saline rinsing is a good routine to follow, and would be helpful for sinus symptoms caused by any range of factors, including allergies and various types of sinusitus. Rinsing and steaming are a low-risk home treatment regime that can be followed for the long term and will help minimize symptoms, whereas a lot of sinus-related medications have various drawbacks, loss of effectiveness with repeated use and potential negative reactions for long-term use with items such as antibiotics and steroids. Thus it's important for someone with sinus problems to try to identify and then deal with whatever things are causing or exacerbating their sinus symptoms, thus lessening the need for medications. Even in a dirty urban environment like Bangkok, people can make changes in their living habits that will help minimize their sinus irritants. Edited January 12, 2013 by TallGuyJohninBKK Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robblok Posted January 12, 2013 Author Share Posted January 12, 2013 I am not on the move a lot and work at home. I will get tested as i really hate this problem. The lack of air is not nice during a cardio workout. Is this something any bkk hospital can do. Kasemrad is not real famous but it is close by. Sent from my GT-I9300 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TallGuyJohninBKK Posted January 12, 2013 Share Posted January 12, 2013 (edited) I would assume most decent sized hospitals in BKK are set up to do routine allergy testing... But ideally, you'd want to look for someplace with an ENT (Ear Nose Throat) Department, and the check there about their allergist or allergy specialist. You don't need a famous hospital for this. But presumably you do want an English speaking doctor and you'll also want them to provide you with the written results of your test (presumably in English), which should show the specific sensitivity result for each item tested. In just checking back, a year ago at one of the mid-range farang-oriented private hospitals in BKK, I paid 4200 baht for the blood testing itself plus another 700 baht for the doctor and related fees. I didn't shop around for that service at the time, so I don't have any basis for cost comparison. Edited January 12, 2013 by TallGuyJohninBKK Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JDGRUEN Posted January 12, 2013 Share Posted January 12, 2013 (edited) Op - my recommendations for various medications were based on several things... First is to provide relief near immediately so that you can relax a bit and focus on a long term solution. You can take a battery of allergy tests and still may not have an answer. What if the allergen turns out to be something in the BKK environment - various particles in the smog or a pollen type that is found nearly everywhere in central Thailand. If this proves to be the case then unless you move somewhere far away - medication for the long term may well be your best answer. There are medical procedures to condition your immune system to not react to certain allergens including homeopathic medicine... But for the coming weeks - if it were me - I would find a good set of medicines that provide relief. Edited January 12, 2013 by JDGRUEN Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robblok Posted January 13, 2013 Author Share Posted January 13, 2013 I am doing that like i said i got a machine to rinse my sinus with salts, got some anti histamine. I got some nose spray too it helps great but i limit it because of the rebound effect. Its already clearing up a bit but i just want back to full breath. Meaning 2 nose holes open at the same time. So yes i do the sinus rinse but i must say nothing much comes out and it even feels that a while afterwards it all swells up. Right afterwards it feels good. I also got some alblaster oil (probably typed it wrong) and put that in hot water and inhale the vapors Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sheryl Posted January 13, 2013 Share Posted January 13, 2013 Ephedrine preparations do not cure this, they only provide temporary relief and should not be used long term as they can actually worsen things in the long run. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robblok Posted January 13, 2013 Author Share Posted January 13, 2013 I will visit an ent again this time then an other one, as over the periods of a few months the other ent did try many different medicines and sprays and there was a bit of improvement but not much. Its just not fun. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pushit Posted January 13, 2013 Share Posted January 13, 2013 (edited) Nasal sprays can cause problems, check this link... http://www.emaxhealt...s-you-need-know Edited January 13, 2013 by Pushit Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mommysboy Posted January 13, 2013 Share Posted January 13, 2013 I am not on the move a lot and work at home. I will get tested as i really hate this problem. The lack of air is not nice during a cardio workout. Is this something any bkk hospital can do. Kasemrad is not real famous but it is close by. Sent from my GT-I9300 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app My sympathies, I have known this pain and frustration only too well. Relocation is likely to be the only once and for all solution, unless there is a specific allergy like animal fur that can be easily controlled. It's usually a case of avoidance and management to suit, a clean home with closed windows and nasal rinsing being the mainstay, and then time as it takes a while for the membranes to settle down. If your nose is really bunged up, then it is quite likely that you have an infection and a course of antibiotics might well be a good idea. The thing with Bangkok is that there are so many factors that you are unlikely to find a magic bullet, to expand, there is the weather itself, and what it can bring in terms of industrial/agricultural pollutants, the city generated pollution/smog which triggers an immune response, then a whole plethora of direct irritants that play havoc on the nasal membranes, eg, chilli fumes, tuk tuk/motorbike fumes, air conditioning, chemicals from clothes on sale and their fluff, just the heat and dust is enough too. So you have to get in to a good regime, and accept that you can't do what you do elsewhere. The workouts if done vigorously may cause dehydration which again is to be avoided with nasal problems. Rest is essential if you are struggling with this problem otherwise the body just can't repair. Thge main thing is avoiding blocked sinus which is the awful symptom and this is achievable as outlined by many. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JDGRUEN Posted January 13, 2013 Share Posted January 13, 2013 I think the OP is well aware (as most sufferers are) that most of the medications discussed are not cures... But I share his frustration as a former sufferer (and now have only 'management' - not a cure - yet). However - there are times when the ability to be able to breath somewhat normally - outweighs drawbacks of some medications. Finding the causative antigen via testing is the correct path... But once identified - avoidance of the antigen is not always possible. So 'management' is regrettably often the only long term method of dealing with the problem... I have read of desensitization methods using Homeopathic techniques... This may be a good path for Mr. Robblock. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robblok Posted January 13, 2013 Author Share Posted January 13, 2013 I will see what path i go, first ill visit an other Ent and of course i go on with nasal rinsing. Relocation isn't an option at this point. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
watcharacters Posted January 13, 2013 Share Posted January 13, 2013 (edited) I would look at the mayo dot com site and read about nasal polyps. What you describe sounds to me like a case of Nasal polyps Nasal polyps are soft, painless, noncancerous growths on the lining of your nasal passages or sinuses. They hang down like teardrops or grapes. They result from chronic inflammation due to asthma, recurring infection, allergies, drug sensitivity or certain immune disorders. Small nasal polyps may not cause symptoms. Larger growths or groups of nasal polyps can block your nasal passages or lead to breathing problems, a lost sense of smell, and frequent infections. Nasal polyps can affect anyone, but they're more common in adults. Medications can often shrink or eliminate nasal polyps, but surgery is sometimes needed to remove them. Even after successful treatment, nasal polyps often return. I Edited January 13, 2013 by watcharacters Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robblok Posted January 13, 2013 Author Share Posted January 13, 2013 I went to an ent everytime they put a camera up my nose so i am sure if they were there they would have been spotted. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TallGuyJohninBKK Posted January 13, 2013 Share Posted January 13, 2013 Polyps can indeed be the cause of sinus problems. But they're also something that should be seen by an ENT doctor in any decent sinus exam... It certainly sounds like the OP has been to his fair share of doctor appointments for his sinus problem, and no mention of any of his doctors reporting about that issue. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
watcharacters Posted January 13, 2013 Share Posted January 13, 2013 Polyps can indeed be the cause of sinus problems. But they're also something that should be seen by an ENT doctor in any decent sinus exam... It certainly sounds like the OP has been to his fair share of doctor appointments for his sinus problem, and no mention of any of his doctors reporting about that issue. well taken but at the end of the day i'd put a few baht on a bet that they're the cause of the OP's discomfort. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robblok Posted January 13, 2013 Author Share Posted January 13, 2013 Polyps can indeed be the cause of sinus problems. But they're also something that should be seen by an ENT doctor in any decent sinus exam... It certainly sounds like the OP has been to his fair share of doctor appointments for his sinus problem, and no mention of any of his doctors reporting about that issue. I had my fair share of exams, but after this month i might see an other one at an other hospital. Just to be sure. But this doctor tried various medicines and drops on me. Also i had to do nasal rinsing, there was improvement but no full cure. Now things are getting a bit better again. A few days ago it was real bad but i suspect it was also because of a cold. Now things are improving a bit. But that wont keep me from visiting an other dr in 2 weeks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JDGRUEN Posted January 13, 2013 Share Posted January 13, 2013 Part of my problem is scaring of the inside of my nasal passage membranes from having broken my nose about 10 times (American football, parachuting, soccer, bar fights, etc.). I have wanted to have surgery to correct the obstruction and scaring - but never got around to it. For some people the nasal passage can be constricted by a bit of overgrowth of cartilage or even bone... With a constricted nasal passage it doesn't take much allergic inflammation to totally clog up the nasal passage. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mommysboy Posted January 13, 2013 Share Posted January 13, 2013 Ephedrine preparations do not cure this, they only provide temporary relief and should not be used long term as they can actually worsen things in the long run. I concur. When I was in the UK I mentioned they might help, there was a poignant silence and then a precription for Beconase. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TallGuyJohninBKK Posted January 14, 2013 Share Posted January 14, 2013 I went to an ent everytime they put a camera up my nose so i am sure if they were there they would have been spotted. The OP reported that his ENT exams have included the doctor visualizing the inside of his sinuses via camera...Presumably that would have enabled the doctor to clearly spot any physical/structural problems/obstructions. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robblok Posted January 14, 2013 Author Share Posted January 14, 2013 The doctor did comment my nose was a bit small (structure) so it was blocked relatively easy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sheryl Posted January 14, 2013 Share Posted January 14, 2013 I hate to day this but the problem may simply be sensitivity to air pollutants and a full cure may require a move to somewhere with cleaner air...Lost of TV members living in Bkk and CM have these problems. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robblok Posted January 14, 2013 Author Share Posted January 14, 2013 It could be.. we will see moving is unfortunatlely not a thing i can do at this point. So i might have to live with it. I will see. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lickey Posted January 14, 2013 Share Posted January 14, 2013 Never had sinus probs till i moved to Thailand, 6.5 yrs now and have had problems during the dry season, Asthma was my first thought and an inhaler did help, but not the answer, About this time last year i bought a Nebuliser, the phials were expensive, so after a bit of web research, saline is ok and can use it as much as you want, I use it 10mins before sleep and 10 mins when i wake, it clears the mucus from my nose and chest quickly, During the day, if i feel a bit blocked, i will chew on a raw onion, or a raw garlic clove or two,a half teaspoon of hot english mustard or horseradish cream is excellent as well, Mrs also introduced me to Euca oil, in a little roll-on bottle, put some on under your nose before sleeping will help a lot, and a few drops in steaming water, inhaled through the nose will loosen all mucus/snot quickly, Anything that makes your eyes water is good for the nasal tubes, without having lots of different medicines, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TallGuyJohninBKK Posted January 15, 2013 Share Posted January 15, 2013 (edited) This image below is what I use for sinus steaming... One vial of water (the package includes the vial) along with 4-6 drops of eucalyptus oil. There's also a very inexpensive variety of eucalyptus oil available at pharmacies here, red and green colored package with the brand name Bosisto's Parrot Brand. http://www.bosistos.com/b2/en/?p=about Put the two things together, and you're good to go. Edited January 15, 2013 by TallGuyJohninBKK Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robblok Posted January 15, 2013 Author Share Posted January 15, 2013 Everyone is talking mucus though that is a real minor problem in my case. Often there is almost no mucus and its just the swelling that prevents inhalation of air. Anyway there is a bit of improvement at the moment. That wont stop me from seeking help again but it at least makes it easy to live. I got a steaming machine too with alblaster oil (sorry on the spelling) But like i said its not mucus that needs be cleared in my case. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Forkinhades Posted January 15, 2013 Share Posted January 15, 2013 This is a good read http://www.medhelp.org/user_journals/show/2322/The-Sinus-Flush Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robblok Posted January 15, 2013 Author Share Posted January 15, 2013 This is a good read http://www.medhelp.o...The-Sinus-Flush I got a machine from ebay it has a pump and the tip seals the nose to it defies gravity too. I now use it mornings and evenings. http://www.ebay.com/itm/SinuPulse-Elite-Advanced-Nasal-Sinus-Irrigation-/190728828360?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2c6852f5c8 sinupulse Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mommysboy Posted January 27, 2013 Share Posted January 27, 2013 The last week or so has been quite shocking and a regime that was working well is not now. So I have determined the only solutions are cheap weekends out of town and staying indoors as much as possible during the day, and sadly, no walking This atmos. seems to get worse and worse, must be the sudden increase in cars. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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